The big picture: BA A380 puts on a display with the Red Arrows

Air show spectators were treated to a unique flyover at the weekend as British Airways' new A380 superjumbo flew overhead flanked by the Red Arrows.

The unusual display took place on Saturday as part of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

BA's senior first officer Peter Nye, who was on the flight deck for the A380's arrival into London earlier this month (see online news, July 4), was again at the controls.

He said: "It's been a great privilege to fly alongside the Red Arrows at the Royal International Air Tattoo today. It was a very British celebration.

"A lot of work has gone into planning the display and I’m told it was quite a spectacle. It was wonderful to see so many people had turned-out to watch the display."

The aircraft met above RAF Lyneham, before heading to the air show over Royal Wootton Bassett for the fly-past at 1430.

Red Arrows squadron leader Mike Ling, Red 10, said: "Flying in formation with the Airbus A380 was a highlight of our year. It took a lot of planning and preparation and it has showcased the flexibility and skills not only of the pilots involved but all of the engineering and support staff too."